Fiesta Virgen del Carmen, Fuengirola - Spania

Fiesta Virgen del Carmen is a Spanish tradition celebrated in cities where fishing used to be a large part of life. The fishermen believe that virgin Carmen influences on their catch, and hence they worship her.

The celebration consists of a massive parade and thousands of people in the street that watches and participates. Virgin Carmen is carried in a procession through the streets by strong men. Finally they cross over the beach and carry her trough the water as well. At this time a large amound of the spectators also take to the waters and swim along with the procession.

This photo series was captured in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol in 2012.